If you’ve ever visited Fond du Lac and wondered where the heart of the local music scene beats, you don’t have to look far. There’s a small-but-mighty storefront that’s been quietly shaping Wisconsin’s musical story for nearly half a century Mike’s Music & Sound.
It’s the kind of place travelers stumble upon and locals swear by. A place where guitars hum with history and every instrument has a story. A place where beginners feel welcome and professionals feel understood.
This is that story.
A Humble Beginning in 1974
Long before it became one of Wisconsin’s most trusted music stores, Mike’s Music & Sound began with one man and one mission:
Keep musicians playing.
In 1974, local musician Mike Soffa opened a tiny repair shop in downtown Fond du Lac. It wasn’t fancy just a simple space where someone could bring a guitar that needed love. But word spread fast. Musicians talk, and when they find someone who “gets it,” they don’t keep it to themselves.
Soon Mike was selling parts, accessories, and eventually used guitars. What started as a repair shop quickly grew into a hub for musicians across the region.
“Mike didn’t build a store… he built trust.”
Growing With Fond du Lac’s Music Community
By the early 1990s, Mike’s Music & Sound wasn’t just a guitar shop anymore it had become a full-service music destination. The store expanded into:
- Electric and acoustic guitars
- Amplifiers and pro audio equipment
- Band and orchestra instruments
- Rentals for school music programs
- A dedicated instrument repair service
This era also welcomed Dan Gilgenbach, who helped establish a large-scale rental and repair program for schools. Band students across Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Winnebago counties began their musical journey with instruments from Mike’s.
The store had quietly become part of local tradition.
A Heartfelt Transition & A New Vision
In 2002, founder Mike Soffa sold the store to Jim and Dan Gilgenbach so he could spend more time with family and return to performing. Under their leadership, the store continued to grow and evolve while keeping its community-first atmosphere.
But by 2020, it was time for yet another meaningful transition one that kept the soul of the business intact.
Two longtime employees, Andrew Johnson and Jeremy Helbling, stepped in as new owners. Having worked side-by-side with customers for years, they knew the shop better than anyone.
They didn’t reinvent the store.
They invested in its heart.
They expanded inventory, deepened brand partnerships with Fender, Marshall, JBL, Conn-Selmer, Gemeinhardt, and more, and modernized the store to serve musicians of all levels.
Andrew and Jeremy didn’t just take over a business they inherited a legacy.
Why Mike’s Music & Sound Still Matters Today
Walk through the doors today and you’ll feel it immediately this isn’t just a retail store. It’s a community space where:
- Kids pick out their first rented band instrument
- Touring musicians stock up on gear before a show
- Parents ask how to help their child fall in love with music
- Beginners learn without judgment
- Professionals browse rare and high-end equipment
This shop has shaped Fond du Lac’s sound for 45+ years and it’s still going strong.
A Must-Visit Stop in Fond du Lac
Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a curious traveler, or someone who simply appreciates craftsmanship, Mike’s Music & Sound is a place worth exploring.
It’s a shop with soul.
A shop with history.
A shop that continues to give Wisconsin’s music community a place to belong.
If you’re in Fond du Lac stop in. Let the story continue.
Visit Mike’s Music & Sound
Address: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Specialties: Instrument sales, band rentals, guitar repair, pro audio, accessories
Ready to Start Your Musical Journey?
Let Mike’s Music & Sound Help You Find Your Sound.**
Whether you need a repair, a rental, or the perfect new instrument you’ll find expert guidance and genuine care the moment you step inside.
Visit their store today
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Support a local music legacy
